Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Pasta Fagioli Soup Recipe is one of the best and easy recipes from ina garten ever. This homemade Pasta Fagioli Soup is made of ground beef, beans, pasta, and so much tasty vegetables.

This authentic Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe is way better than the Olive Garden Pasta Fagioli Soup recipe or any of their soups. Please feel free to leave feedback about this Ina Garten Italian-style soup.

What Is Pasta Fagioli Soup 

Pasta Fagioli Soup is a healthy traditional Italian dish made with ground beef meat, fresh vegetables, creamy beans, tender pasta, and delicious herbs, all in a rich and savory broth. It has become popular since it’s served at Olive Garden, and the taste is comforting, hearty, and absolutely delicious. 

The pronunciation of “Pasta e Fagioli” is “PAH-stuh eh fah-JOE-lee.”

Minestrone Soup Vs Pasta Fagioli 

The difference between Minestrone Soup and Pasta Fagioli is that Minestrone typically includes a variety of vegetables and sometimes rice, while Pasta Fagioli focuses on pasta and beans, often with ground beef. 

Minestrone might have a lighter broth, while Pasta Fagioli is heartier with a richer flavor.

What Does Pasta E Fagioli Mean?

The words “Pasta e Fagioli” mean in English “pasta and beans.” It’s a name that describes the main ingredients of this traditional Italian dish, reflecting its hearty and comforting nature.

Pasta Fagioli Soup Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
• 1 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium)
• 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbsp)
• 3 (8 oz) cans of tomato sauce
• 2 14.5 oz cans of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup water, then more as desired
• 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 3/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried marjoram
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup dry ditalini pasta
• 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can of great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
• Finely shredded Romano or Parmesan cheese, for serving
• 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

How To Make Pasta Fagioli Soup 

1. Warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot on medium-high heat. Break up the ground beef into the pot and cook it until it’s done. Pour off the fat, then move the beef to a plate and set it aside.
2. Put the other tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot. Add the onions, carrots, and celery and cook them until they’re soft about 6 minutes. Put in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, canned tomatoes, sugar, basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram, and the cooked beef. Add salt and pepper as you like. Make it boil, then turn down the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer, stirring now and then until the veggies are soft. This takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
4. While that’s cooking, make the ditalini pasta as the package says, but stop cooking when it’s still firm to bite.
5. Put the cooked and drained pasta into the soup, along with the kidney beans and great northern beans. If you want, you can add a little more broth or water to make it thinner. 
6. Cook for 1 more minute. Mix in the parsley, and serve it hot with grated Romano or Parmesan cheese on top.

How to Make Pasta Fagioli Soup in a Crock Pot

1. Cook the Beef: Brown the beef in a pan, then transfer it to the crockpot.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic: Sauté the onion until soft, add garlic, and then put both in the crockpot.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Put all other ingredients (except pasta, beans, and parsley) into the crockpot.
4. Set to Cook: Turn the crockpot on low and let it cook for 4 hours.
5. Cook the Pasta: On the stove, cook the pasta until it’s almost done, following the package instructions.
6. Add Pasta, Beans, and Parsley: Put the cooked pasta, beans, and parsley into the crockpot and mix.
7. Serve Warm: Dish the soup into bowls and enjoy it while it’s hot.

Do You Drain Beans For Pasta Fagioli 

Yes, you should drain the beans before adding them to the soup, this will remove any excess liquid and ensure the right consistency based on the recipe.

What To Serve With Pasta Fagioli Soup

Pasta Fagioli Soup is usually served with breadsticks, crusty bread, cheesy garlic bread, or a side salad. This Soup also pairs well with Italian Salad Dressing, Creamy Pesto Dressing, or even a simple green salad. 

Here’s a list of sides that go well with Pasta Fagioli Soup:

• Chicken Liver Pate
• Shrimp Orzo Salad
• Arugula Salad
• Garlic Bread
• Brown Butter Milk Bread

How Long Does Pasta Fagioli Soup Last In The Fridge

Leftover Pasta Fagioli Soup can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge.

Can I Freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup 

Yes, you can freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup; it can last frozen for about 3 months. To freeze Pasta Fagioli Soup correctly, simply let it cool, place it in an airtight container (leaving some space for expansion), then place it in the freezer.

To thaw it, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight, and it should be completely defrosted by the next day.

How To Reheat Pasta Fagioli Soup

The best way to reheat Pasta Fagioli Soup is in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes; or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Pasta Fagioli Soup Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 540
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 49mg
• Sodium: 718mg
• Potassium: 1616mg
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 13g
• Sugar: 12g
• Protein: 35g

Try More Soup Recipes:

• Cauliflower Soup
• Asparagus Soup
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Black Bean Soup
• Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Italian Wedding Soup